An Ass¹ and rude horse were travelling together.
The Horse carried little beyond his own tether.
While the poor laden² beast beside him did struggle;
So overburdend that he finally faltered³.
He pleaded with the Horse to show him some pity,
Else he would die before reaching the city.
"My request after all is not impolite;
Half of this load you would still find light."
The Horse he refused thinking himself clever,
But soon saw his comrade fall down forever.
He realized quickly he had been mistaken,
For soon he was carrying the whole of the burden
Along with the skin of his little companion.

Share your neighbour's troubles.  If he
fails it's on your neck, the load will fall.

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Le Cheval et l'Ane

En ce monde il se faut l'un l'autre secourir.
Si ton voisin vient à mourir,
C'est sur toi que le fardeau tombe.

Un Ane accompagnait un Cheval peu courtois,
Celui-ci ne portant que son simple harnois,
Et le pauvre Baudet si chargé qu'il succombe.
Il pria le Cheval de l'aider quelque peu :
Autrement il mourrait devant qu'être à la ville.
La prière, dit-il, n'en est pas incivile :
Moitié de ce fardeau ne vous sera que jeu.
Le Cheval refusa, fit une pétarade :
Tant qu'il vit sous le faix mourir son camarade,
Et reconnut qu'il avait tort.
Du Baudet, en cette aventure,
On lui fit porter la voiture,
Et la peau par-dessus encor.

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